Photography comes with its own set of terms, acronyms, and technical jargon, which can be intimidating when you’re just starting out. If you’ve found yourself in a conversation where terms like “bokeh” or “hyperfocal distance” are thrown around, you might have felt hesitant to ask what they mean. This glossary is designed to make those terms clearer and more accessible, helping you understand the language of photography without any uncertainty.
Whether you’re a teacher explaining concepts, a beginner eager to learn, or an experienced photographer looking for a quick reference, this list can help you feel more confident with the essentials. Each word links to a page with more details and examples, so you can dive as deep as you like. Keep this page bookmarked as a handy guide, and soon these terms will feel like second nature!
Camera and Lens Settings
- Aperture
- F-Stop
- ISO
- Shutter Speed
- Exposure
- Exposure Compensation
- TTL (Through the Lens)
- AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing)
Autofocus and Focus Techniques
- Autofocus Points
- Continuous Autofocus (AF-C)
- Eye Detection AF
- Hyperfocal Distance
- Focus Peaking
- Focus Breathing
- Back Button Focus
- Selective Focus
- Focus Stacking
Lighting and Exposure
- Ambient Light
- Bounce Flash
- Diffused Light
- Flash And Slash
- High Key
- Dynamic Range
- High Dynamic Range
- Blown Highlights
Image Composition and Framing
- Composition
- Line
- Shape
- Rule Of Thirds
- Rule of Odds
- Golden Ratio
- Negative Space
- Simplicity
- Perspective Distortion
- Parallax
Color and Tonal Adjustments
Camera Gear and Accessories
Special Techniques and Effects
Digital Editing and Post-Processing
See also Photography Lingo